orchard grass hay vs timothy

Pellets have about the same protein as hay, but less fiber. The high nutrient intake delivered by Orchard Grass hay translates into potentially less grain the horse would need to eat to satisfy energy and protein requirements. If you have specific questions about the nutritional content of hay or your horses diet, you should consult with a veterinarian or a qualified animal nutritionist. But as those with Timothy hay allergies may already tell you, Timothy isn't the only grass hay on the block. This hay is sometimes referred to as coastal hay and is a shorter plant with fine blades of grass. I love animals! This bacteria fixes the nitrogen from the atmosphere into ammonia, then into ammonium which the plant can then use to make protein. Medium Round. Orchard hay tends to be softer, sweeter, and alsohas an aromaticfragrancewhich will entice even the pickiest of eaters. Hay. 0000007459 00000 n (TDN is directly related to digestible energy and is often calculated based on ADF.). Grass hay is usually not as fragrant and harvested from prarie grass. It is highly palatable. Orchard Grass is higher in protein (10-12%), higher in calorie content and contains the same balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus as Timothy grass. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. A lack of boron can create arthritis and joint problems. 0000073992 00000 n 0000007592 00000 n Your email address will not be published. Orchard grass contains a higher calorie count and protein content, thus making it a better option for horse feed. This could be timothy, orchard, brome, bluegrass, fescue, or a number of other varieties. Its clean to store/feed and there is no waste. Mineral requirements can be classified as macro (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulfur, chlorides) and micro (iron, cobalt, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium, molybdenum, etc.). Timothy, Bermuda, and Orchard are the three most popular grass hays, and you can typically find them in most feed stores. 3rd cut. Teff can be planted in late spring and cut multiple times during summer, with yields averaging 4 to 8 tons per . Lots of leaves, protein, minerals and stems. Depending on your animals health and preferred nutritional requirements, you can choose either. Orchard Hay/Grass Orchard grass. Learn More. Grass: Most commonly timothy, orchard, Kentucky bluegrass, bromegrass, and tall fescue. Bermuda grass grows well in a variety of conditions so it is a common hay for horses. It has a balanced ratio of calcium and phosphorus, much like its counterpart. And as Teslan said, it lasts indefinitely. Sprinkle the seeds on the planting site. The increased calcium does mean that phosphorus may need to be supplemented, as noted above. | 22349 Kimberly Road, Suite E Kimberly, ID 83341 | 208-825-5117. 0000004600 00000 n Grass horse hay comes from many different types of grass. The answer is the hay that meets their nutritional requirements, makes them feel good, and tastes good. Plus 5 cost-saving tips! In addition to being flavorful for the animals sake, timothy hay is known for its excellent nutritional balance. It has a consistent and balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus and Timothy Grass has a low to moderate calorie content. Third cut is a very soft and heavy leafy hay. Answer (1 of 5): Timothy hay is made of nutritious sweet grass. Some manufacturers produce pellets well suited to smallgoat mouths (versus, say, horse mouths). Featured Horse . Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Timothy hay is a mixture of stems of timothy grass and leaves. Look for second or third-cut timothy hay for your guinea pig. By taking the time to research and understand the differences between these types of hay, you can ensure that you are providing the best possible nutrition for your horse. Its important to note that the nutritional content of hay can vary depending on factors such as the type of grass or legume, the location and climate where it was grown, and the stage of maturity at which it was harvested. With over 40 years in the hay business, J & J has developed a dependable supply of equine quality hay and forage products from the top hay producers in North America. my nubian was sick when I got her and is still recovering her weight back. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Orchard grass has higher palatability than other grasses, such as bluegrass and bromegrass. Timothy hay is also low in sugar and calories, making it an ideal forage for horses that are prone to weight gain. High-quality Alfalfa, for example, has a bright or deep green color with fine leafy stems and exudes a fresh smell. Even though there are many different types of hay, they all break down into two categories: legumes or grasses. Grass forage featuring a moderate protein and moderately high fiber content. My own personal feeling is that I don't use just one type of hay. It grows without fuss. 0000063361 00000 n Timothy hay is a grass hay and yields 7 to 11 percent crude protein and 0.38 to 0.51 percent calcium. Timothy hay is a popular type of horse hay that is known for its high nutritional value. Here is a brief overview; Timothy hay may contain about 1-2 percent more fiber on average (depending on whether 1 st, 2 nd or 3 rd cut) than Orchard grass hay. Tractor Supply sells a 50lb bale of Timothy hay for roughly 22.00. You dont want a damp or musty smell, Bales should be consistent in weight (too heavy indicates mold or too much moisture, while too light can indicate over drying or lack of nutrients for your horse). The more flowers you can detect in legume hay, the more mature the hay. This hay is not your average forage, as it contains crucial nutritional content that offers numerous health benefits to the livestock. Timothy and Alfalfa hay have different nutrient values. If you ever compare 1st and 3rd cut timothy, you'll see what I mean. All goats have access to Bermuda hay between twice daily Chaffhaye feedings. In other regions, common hays include reed canary grass, ryegrass, Sudan grass, and fescue. Orchard grass is another cool-season grass; it grows in tufts and is more drought tolerant than Timothy hay. Timothy hay is also high in fiber, making it perfect for horses who need to lose weight or have digestive issues. JSea{.ccu_/ Orchard grass has a soft texture and a sweet taste and has an attractive and refreshing fragrance, perfect for enticing animals. Shop Oxbow's industry-leading variety of grass . For all animals, dont make drastic changes to your goatsdiet all at once or youll risk digestive upsets. Dust at the bottom of the bag. Additionally, orchardgrass has a high nutrient content with a high protein and higher calorie content when compared to timothy. Perennial ryegrass is more persistent than annual ryegrass but less persistent in the Midwest than other cool season grass species. This is because grass hay - like Timothy, Orchard, Oat and Alfalfa - provides the fiber that is so critical to the daily digestive and dental health of rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other small herbivores. Benefits:Grass hay is lower in protein and energy than legume hay but it's also higher in fiber, which can make it a good choice for many horses. I have always assumed Orchard grass hay was better than timothy hay for feeding. Horses must consume 0.15-1.5% calcium and 0.15-0.6% phosphorus. Slowly moisten the soil and keep it moist until the seeds germinate. Timothy grass is good for many things. Alfalfa hay is typically higher in protein and essential nutrients than timothy hay, making Alfalfa a better option for more active animals that need a high-protein diet. Bermuda is typically the cheapest grass hay you can purchase for a horse. Types of Hay. Hay also has regional variations. 0000066485 00000 n Different types of hay for horses can vary in nutritional value, taste or texture. Orchard grass grows rapidly at cool temperatures, is very productive in early spring and recovers quickly af ter cutting. But amount of protein alone doesn't make one grass "better" than another. 0000068955 00000 n The only thing with Orchard Grass though is that it may be more seasonal than Timothy Hay but I'm not entirely sure of that, hopefully some other forum members will know if that is the case. 105034 N 3640 rd, Oklahoma | $290.00 per Bale. . Oat hay or other cereal grain hay is an excellent choice when cut while still green, as opposed to waiting for the seed heads to mature. Alfalfa is the most common legume hay for horses. Alfalfa, for example, contains an impressive list of nutrients. Since nothing is perfect in this world, some words of warning are in order for various types of hay. 0000016544 00000 n Whenchoosing a mineral supplement, be sure to choose something specifically formulated for goats (not sheep, cattle, horses, etc.). The cultivation of timothy hay only yields two cuttings per year. 0000069145 00000 n 0000002109 00000 n It has been reported growing in the United States since . Orchard grass hay is perfectly fine for adult rabbits to eat daily if Timothy doesn't work out for you. During lactation, the protein requirements of a doe may more than double, and her needs go beyond supplementing with grain. Timothy hay is higher in fiber compared to the other two hays. It is lower in protein than some other grasses, so you must ensure a horse is getting enough protein in their diet if this is their only forage. You pay a little extra for the convenience of buying from a national chain; I usually find lower prices from local feed stores. + Free Printable Barn Chores Checklist . You perhaps have heard about the calcium/phosphorus gradient in the human body. 0000074829 00000 n 0000011623 00000 n Fescue can cause fescue toxicity or summer slump, a condition more frequent and severe during hot weather. It tillers more profusely but is lower growing than annual ryegrass and will not form a . And phosphorus helps muscles, heart, and intestines work well. Alfalfa's higher nutritional value makes it the ideal forage choice for young, ill, or nursing herbivores with elevated energy requirements. In our area, you don't find native Timothy so we only fed it when we had to truck hay in from further north in drought years. Nowadays, it is widely cultivated all across the United States as well. Hay is regional and the names of the grasses will change depending on the location in which you live. Western Canada, Oregon, and Washington state are recognized for growing some of the best Timothy hay in the United States. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is a bunch-type, tall-growing, cool-season perennial grass. Timothy Hay and Orchard Hay is an excellent choice for guinea pigs. Orchardgrass is comparatively more drought-tolerant than timothy hay, requiring moderate temperature and adequate water for growth. Timothy hay looks like long strands of dry grass. The legume class of hay includes alfalfa, clover, and birdsfoot trefoil hay. This grass is also well-known for its highly rich nutritional content. This grass is a tall-growing grass that can reach up to 19 to 47 inches in length, and the leaves can grow up to 8 inches. The most commonly grown species for grass hay are cool season perennials such as orchardgrass, bromegrass, timothy, and tall fescue. That depends on what an individual rabbit needs (considering what else is being fed). The seeds must cover about one half of the total surface area of the soil. Check Price on Chewy. Absolutely Orchard Grass only is absolutely okay - it is a grass hay just like the Timothy hay so it's perfectly fine. 11/14/2007 at 12:03 PM BB Administrator 0000002996 00000 n Nutritional values of grass hays vary greatly depending on harvest conditions. Timothy Hay is easier to getand provides the optimal balance of nutrition ranging from fiber, protein,and calcium for guinea pigs. Orchardgrass and timothy hay are both excellent, but orchard grass gets the nod as the best of the two. It is quite sensitive to moisture fluxuations though, so care must be taken with overwatering or irrigating it (and it may be difficult to get during a drought). A combination of alfalfa and grass hays, as well as a proper grain mix, will providecaprineswith the necessary proteinandroughage to stimulate the digestive action of the rumen. Fescue hay has a palatable texture than other grasses, and can be low in sugar. Understanding the differences between hay types can help you better decide what kind to feed your horse. Hay and pasture should be tested for this fungal infection to prevent any problems for your horse. Any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon are affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Your chinchilla's pellets will be complete and balanced to provide for your chinchilla's nutritional needs. I have about two months to find a different source, but at least I know I can get it from this place, and while it's an hours drive for me, it's literally around the corner from my boyfriends work so he can grab some on his lunch break. This is a tall grass that grows well in cool conditions and varies in color from light green, to dark green, to blueish-green. Good for adult maintenance or senior horses; may not provide enough nutrients for growing, lactating, or pregnant animals. The key difference between these two types is that legume hays have higher protein levels than grass hays. If you are really interested in the small differences between Orchard vs Timothy, then you should check out this article I wrote. However,this protein intake must be increased gradually during pregnancy, not suddenly. While Timothy, on the other hand, is a perennial grass, which stays alive but dormant during the winter. Orchard Grass is a highly palatable grass with a high nutrient content. Its less wasteful,but the downside is goats will eat the pellets very quickly. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. xb```b``{ k l, k, The high fiber content found in timothy hay helps maintain normal digestive health. For general flock needs, consider using a grass hay, like timothy or orchard grass. The growing season of timothy hay is a cool spring. And high-quality bermudagrass hay provides all the nutrients most horses need to stay healthy. Orchard grass is a cool-season grass hay. The main difference between these two types is their protein content. Rake to incorporate the planting site of the seeds in the soil. This helps ensure your horses always have a high quality grass forage option to utilize. Orchard is grown natively and is what we feed to pregnant mares since our normal hay is fescue. We hope that you have found our detailed blog on orchard grass vs. Timothy hay helpful and informative. This hay is high in fiber, protein and calcium. Pets meeting one these criteria can eat unlimited amounts of . I finally found a place but he called it "Western Orchard Grass" hay. This process does not occur in grasses, which is why they are typically much lower in protein than legumes. Timothy hay has higher calcium to phosphorus ratio than legumes. Similarly, a balanced amount of phosphorus is necessary for numerous cellular functions. 0000074430 00000 n Orchard grass is an excellent alternative for animals allergic to timothy hay as both have similar nutritional content. Being comfortable with your finances is important for everyone, but especially when you have such an expensive habit. | 22349 Kimberly Road, Suite E Kimberly, ID 83341 | 208-825-5117 stays. 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Animals, dont make drastic changes to your goatsdiet all at once youll!, Oregon, and her needs go beyond supplementing with grain during lactation, the protein requirements of doe! And phosphorus helps muscles, heart, and orchard hay tends to supplemented., Oregon, and can be low in sugar natively and is orchard grass hay vs timothy... What we feed to pregnant mares since our normal hay is made of nutritious sweet grass contains a higher content. Alive but dormant during the winter to digestible energy and is still recovering her weight back horses need to softer. Eat unlimited amounts of via e-mail if anyone answers my comment Sudan grass, which is why they are much! Youll risk digestive upsets at once or youll risk digestive upsets cut multiple times during summer with! Ammonia, then into ammonium which the plant can then use to make protein grass forage featuring a protein...